Your Guide to the Saudi Arabia Visa Process

​Obtaining a visa to work in Saudi Arabia can be a complex process, but with this guide, you will have a clear understanding of the steps involved.

This document focuses on the IQAMA, a residency visa that allows expats to live and work in Saudi Arabia.

Gaining Sponsorship

To be able to access a valid IQAMA, you will need to have sponsorship from an employer. Your sponsor will first need to apply for and receive a block visa. These quotas, issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, permit local employers to sponsor foreign workers for long-term employment.

Applying for IQAMA

The process for IQAMA can take anywhere up to 4 weeks and beyond. IQAMA is granted based on various factors, including the applicant’s nationality, country of origin and the precise job role. After approval, the sponsor must ask the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a visa authorization number and power of attorney to apply for the worker's visa.

Import Visa

You can now apply for your import visa from your home country. The request needs to be submitted by the company on the Qiwa platform. The temporary work visa is issued immediately through Qiwa. Typically, your employer will pay for the import visa & work permit around 2k for 3 months.

IQAMA Issuance

Typically, the fee for issuing IQAMA is around 650 SAR. It will be valid for one year and need to be renewed annually. Next, you will need to visit the Saudi Arabian embassy/visa services in your country and submit an application. This step secures your work permit which then allows you permission to travel to Saudi Arabia to complete the process within 90 days from the date of entry into KSA.

Document Verification

Your employer will prepare and attest your employment contract and non-objection letter by the Chamber of Commerce & MOFA. They will then send documents to you for submission to your local visa company for the embassy. The documents include your visa document, employment contract, consul letter and Enjaz electronic authorization.

Other necessary documents you will need for your local visa company include a recent medical report from an accredited doctor, police clearance obtained within the last six months and academic credentials (if required).

Final Approval

Once confirmed by the Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission you will receive your 3-month visa which will convert into IQAMA. You can now set off to Saudi Arabia! On arrival, you will go for your medical test, including blood test, urine test, stool test, past illness review, eye examination, chest X-ray and physical medical exam.

Post Arrival Procedures

Expats will be given a medical certificate upon completion of these tests. This takes around 3 days to process. Your employer will then apply for health insurance for you. Once complete, they will pay IQAMA + Jawazat fees which amount to around 9-10K SAR.

Settling In

Your visa will receive your physical IQAMA within the next 10 days and you will be able to acquire a SIM card, bank account, driving license and sign a rental agreement with a landlord.

With all these steps completed, you are now ready to start your journey in Saudi Arabia!